Scene: Red Cross Caribbean cabaret sizzles with success

Committee members for the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley's… (LENORA DANNELKE, SPECIAL…)

April 27, 2013

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley took the chill from the evening of April 12 with its tropical-themed Cabaret & Cuisine fundraiser. "Caribbean Nights" brought 390 guests to the Musikfest Cafe at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, and raised more than $70,000 for the organization, which alleviates human suffering in emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and donors. Desty Bonstein served as chairwoman for the event.

A huge silent auction that sprawled across the mezzanine level offered goods and services including restaurant gift certificates, event and theater tickets, original art and gift baskets. A live auction conducted later featured such items as a limited edition acoustic guitar from C.F. Martin, a cocktail party from Catering by Karen Hunter and a personal wardrobe makeover by Sophistikate, along with a special pledge appeal.

On April 11, the Weller Health Education Center celebrated 30 years of prevention education with 160 guests at a cocktail reception at Lehigh Country Club. Proceeds from the event support the Weller Center's anti-bullying and depression awareness programs presented to thousands of school children each year in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

In many schools Weller serves, these programs are the students' only exposure to lifesaving information on the prevention of obesity, violence, bullying and addiction, as well as depression awareness, suicide prevention and reproductive health. Last year alone more than 70,000 students were served, and since the Weller Center opened 30 years ago, more than 1.5 million children have been seen.

Weller Center President and CEO Melissa Lee started the evening's presentation with details on the importance of health education in schools. Nancy Smith Davis, a Weller Center founder, presented the inaugural Children's Health Leadership Award to Marsha and Alan Abraham for their 20 years of commitment to the goals of the Weller Center. John Nespoli, president and chief executive officer of Sacred Heart Hospital, was the keynote speaker. Honorary chairpersons were Winnie Melinsky, Debby Skeans and Dan Wells. The exclusive sponsor of the event was Elaine Emrick.